England forward Morgan Rogers has fiercely defended his Chelsea teammate and childhood friend Cole Palmer, dismissing accusations that the 24-year-old lacks commitment to the national team as “lies” and “nonsense”.
Rogers, who opened the scoring in England’s 2-1 UEFA Nations League victory over Croatia on Thursday night alongside a Harry Kane penalty, spoke out following Palmer’s omission from Thomas Tuchel’s latest squad.
Read Also:AFCON 2027Q: Super Eagles Must Work Hard To Overcome Tanzania – Chelle
Tuchel left the Chelsea playmaker out of the November camp after citing concerns over his limited opportunities to impress, a setback that followed Palmer missing the World Cup earlier this year and withdrawing from September’s international fixtures due to injury.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live after the win at Wembley, Rogers rejected any suggestion that Palmer is reluctant to represent the Three Lions.
“He wants to be here,” Rogers insisted. “He wanted to get called up and he wanted to come and represent his country as he always has done.”
Rogers explained that Palmer’s recent absences stem from careful physical management after enduring a frustrating spell with injuries over the past year rather than a lack of desire.
“He was in quite a low place with his injuries last year and didn’t feel 100% himself on the pitch, so he wants to be here and he wants to be the best version of himself,” Rogers said.
Read Also:2027 AFCONQ: Super Eagles Warned Against Underrating Tanzania By Ex-Int’l Iroha
“But he also has to look at his body. He wants to play for 10 or 15 years, so he also has to manage himself. If he has to manage himself in the short term for the greater good, then he has to do that and you have to fully support it.”
Calling the public scrutiny unfair, Rogers added: “It has nothing to do with England or not wanting to play with England. It’s a nonsense really that people are questioning someone that wants to play for England. It’s a lie. You see the joy and smile on his face, how much he loves the game, so I honestly don’t get it and he doesn’t get it.”
Source: